Shared by Hannah
Today, I wanted to share some thoughts inspired by a profound book, “The Power of Now.” While I don’t agree with everything in it, there’s a particular part that resonates deeply with how I view the world—it speaks to the idea of creating ‘no more pain’ in the present moment.
Our lives are never entirely free of pain, but this book suggests that the greater part of human suffering is unnecessary—a product of our unobserved minds. It explains that the pain we create stems from our lack of acceptance and unconscious resistance to the present moment. Our judgments and negativity are forms of resistance that are tied directly to the degree of our identification with our minds. Interestingly, the book proposes that the more we honor and accept the now, the less we suffer.
Why does our mind resist or deny the present? Because it thrives on time—past and future. It perceives our current reality, the ‘now,’ as a threat to its control.
From my own experience, after embracing mindfulness practices in my business and personal life, I’ve noticed a shift. My former habit of dwelling on past grievances and getting lost in future worries began to dissolve. With this practice, I learned to view both the past and future more clearly and objectively, acknowledging that much of our emotional distress stems not from the facts themselves, but from our interpretations of those facts.
Detaching from these interpretations has allowed me to experience life with less frequency of unnecessary pain. By focusing more on the now, I’ve found a sense of peace and clarity that serves as a balm to the challenges we all face.
That’s my reflection for today. Thanks for joining me on this journey.
Hakone Zendo 